Hypnosis spiral

In the Zone with Hypnosis in Austin Texas

 


What athletes call playing "in the zone" also applies to everyday life. When an athlete is "in the zone," their subconscious mind has become dominant and their self-critical, doubting mind has gotten out of the way. They begin to feel like they can't miss. And feel is the operative word. If you would like to feel better about some aspect of your life, Ericksonian self-hypnosis can put you back "in the zone."

Many professional athletes such as Tiger Woods have used hypnosis to stay on top of their game. Actor Matt Damon used hypnosis to quit a two pack per day smoking habit. You too can use hypnosis to stay on top of your game!

Hypnosis can cause positive and lasting changes with these issues:

  • Weight Loss
  • Self-Confidence
  • Stop Smoking
  • Stress Release
  • Symptoms of Stress (physical or behavioral)
  • Public Speaking
  • Natural Childbirth
  • Fear and Worry
  • Pain Management
  • Motivation / Procrastination
  • Stomach Comfort / IBS
  • Sleep Problems / Insomnia
  • Teeth Grinding
  • Nail Biting, Bed Wetting, Thumb Sucking
  • Peak Performance
  • Study Skills and Memory
  • Sports or Sales Performance
  • Test Anxiety
Dr. Andrew Weil

"In general, I believe that no condition is out of bounds for trying hypnotherapy on."

- Dr. Andrew Weil
Author and Health Expert


What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis harnesses a natural state of mind called a "trance." Trance is a common and natural mental state that most of us drift in and out of every day without even being aware of it. Daydreaming, watching TV, gazing into the fireplace, or missing your exit on the freeway because you are "lost in thought" are all examples of normal, everyday trance states. Like the need for sleep, trance states seem to serve an essential role in maintaining our physical and psychological well-being. Hypnosis has two essential characteristics: deep relaxation and focused attention. To make use of this state of relaxed and focused attention, a hypnotist uses suggestions. You are more likely to accept suggestions that you hear when you are in a state of trance. Like the athletes described above, your critical, worrying mind is able to get out of the way so your path to right action is clean and clear. You will only accept the suggestions that are meaningful to you. You will never do anything against your will or tell secrets. In this sense, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

"Hypnosis is controlled by the individual, not the therapist. In a sense, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis; it's something that you do yourself, not something that's done to you."

- Dr. Arreed Barabasz, American Psychological Association, Hypnosis Division
American Medical Association logo

Hypnosis is AMA Approved

Hypnosis was accepted by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1959 as a valuable & non-invasive therapy.

Hypnosis is not an alternative therapy. It is part of the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association's trusted and valued treatments. It is complementary to your current professional medical care, not an alternative to it. I work closely with many doctors and psychologists. Some issues may require a referral from you doctor.

What Happens During a Session?

If, for example, you come to me for weight loss hypnosis, I will first show you how to create a trance state. I will be sure that you are comfortable with me and with the process. You can have your eyes open or closed. This process happens for most people very easily using these trusted techniques. When I see that you are in a relaxed, focused state of awareness, I will suggest to you how you can change your relationship to food and bring more mindfulness to your everyday routines. New eating habits and strategies for exercise are integrated at a deep, subconscious level. Sometimes I'll ask you to use your imagination, and I will guide you through scenarios. You will always know who you are and what you are doing. You never lose consciousness. It's easy and effective.

Listen to one client's description of a session:

Get Unstuck

Hypnosis works so well because the subconscious mind is much more powerful than the conscious mind. Outdated habits often get really stuck at the subconscious level and that's why willpower alone can't fix them; it's because willpower exists at the superficial ego-level of consciousness. It doesn't go deep enough. Hypnosis is one of the quickest ways to change old patterns of behavior because it goes to that deeper layer where things had gotten stuck and it gets them re-aligned. Sometimes these stuck issues started in childhood and then became part of the way you dealt with the world. As an adult you can choose to make better choices and your subconscious mind can help you!

My Solution-Oriented Approach

I listen carefully during our interview and then skillfully craft a session that will help you create new solutions to those old problems. I do not use pre-fab hypnosis scripts. Every session is a unique work of art. My approach is to focus on what is right with you instead of on what is wrong with you. The self-hypnosis trainings and private sessions with you will emphasize applying existing skills in new areas and tapping into your own hidden resources and abilities so that you can realize your dreams. I truly believe you already have all the things you need to make the changes you desire. We all have vast powers within us waiting to be harnessed. I see people do amazing things with hypnosis every day!

Myths About Hypnosis

There are many myths and misconceptions about hypnosis. One misconception is that hypnosis is a deep sleep which can lead to a surrender of self-control. Stage hypnotists and Hollywood movies have contributed to these myths to entertain the public because that is the business they are in. You won't quack like a duck or cuss out your boss like on the movie Office Space. The truth is that you are always in complete control during hypnosis. You are not submitting to a hypnotist at all; it's more like a collaboration where we are working together. You could get up and stop the session at any time. The plain truth is, you won't do anything you wouldn't normally do. In fact, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis because you will only accept the hypnotic suggestions that make good sense to you. You also won't reveal any secrets during hypnosis. Another misbelief is that hypnosis is a state of sleep or amnesia. It's not. You are actually very aware the whole time.

Hypnosis and the Brain

Brain scientists are providing new insights on how hypnosis works every year. This is an exciting time to be a hypnotist. Of course, hypnosis has been clinically studied since the 1950's but the scenario now is different because of all of the new brain imaging technology. It is really giving us a look at what happens in the brain during hypnosis. It turns out that the brain really does process information differently during hypnosis than in other state of awareness. It is real and it is unique. Hypnosis creates significant, measurable changes in the brain's responses which go far beyond what can be done with just thinking or imagining alone!

Rehearsing for Success

In summary what these studies show is that during hypnosis, the brain cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination, so hypnotic suggestions are experienced in the brain as if they were real. Your mind knows they aren't really happening, but your brain doesn't know. Sound confusing? You can see why hypnosis has been shrouded in mystery. Even the science of it is mysterious! Here is a concrete example. Suppose that you tell someone to imagine biting into a juicy red apple. Parts of their brain will light up as they imagine it, but NOT the same parts that light up when they are actually biting into a juicy red apple. However, if you hypnotize someone and suggest to them during hypnosis that they are biting into a juicy red apple, the exact same part of their brain lights up as if they were actually doing it! The brain can't tell the difference during hyposis, eventhough your mind and your "self" can distinguish. This is really useful for creating new, positive imprints in the brain. Hypnosis is the best mental rehearsal for success. You can feel and see yourself reaching your goal and your brain believes you are really doing it. You come out of hypnosis with a strong conviction you can do it and it's easy. You can see how valuable this would be for athletes to stay in the zone. It's as if hypnotic mental rehearsal creates the muscle and nerve memories in the body of what it is like to actually hit the ball, make a hole in one, or cross the finish line. After hypnosis, the mind and body are primed to do it. Of course, this is useful for anyone who has a goal they would like to achieve whether it's losing weight, stopping smoking, feeling less stressed, being more productive, or overcoming fears. It works the same way.

If you want to read more, the science web site How Stuff Works has an excellent article on hypnosis.

Choosing a Hypnotist

Like auto repair in the hands of good mechanic, hypnosis requires a skilled and knowledgeable practitioner to get the job done right. We all know there are some bad and unscrupulous auto mechanics out there and likewise there are also some less-than-stellar hypnotists. It's good to have a referral from someone you trust; and that applies whether you are getting your car fixed or seeing a hypnotist! I am happy to report that 50% of my business consists of referrals from happy customers. You can read or hear their heart-felt testimonials on these pages.

Remember that no one can make you do something you don't want to do, not even the best hypnotist on the planet. You have to really want to do it. Your success also depends on your willingness to make the change, your trust of the process, and your ability to follow simple instructions.

What Are My Credentials?

  • My teachers are the best clinical psychologists and performance trainers in the field
  • I tought hypnosis classes at the University of Texas Informal Classes for seven years
  • I graduated with honors from the University of Texas
  • I have been a professional trainer since 1996
  • Most importantly, my clients are happy!

If for some reason I can't help you, I will try to refer you to another skilled professional who can. I am not a psychotherapist nor a medical doctor. To learn more about my background, read About Aisha.

Try Some Self-Hypnosis

Stare at the point where the spiral begins.

Self-hypnosis exercise

Tell yourself slowly for one minute or more:
"I am a good person and I deserve success."

Hypnosis explained at the Mayo Clinic
Hypnosis explained on Wikipedia

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